I have only taken 3 solo trips, all in a kayak, and with a duration of no more than one week. Some good advice here on QJ, from much more experienced solo paddlers than me. I did not have a SPOT device, but I left word with a local outfitter (I used their service frequently in the past but not on these solo trips), Quetico Park Office and my wife about my expected route/itinerary and the time I would return. I gave my wife phone numbers for the outfitter and park office and instructions about when she might need to contact them. For instance, if she didn’t hear from me more than one day after my scheduled exit, I told her to make some calls. I did not deviated from my predicted route, at least not much.

I thought about what to do ahead of time if injury or some other catastrophe occurred. That can really play with your mind so you need to stay level headed. I had to deliberately change my mind set for my solo trips, even though they were not all that adventurous by QJ standards. I focused on slowing everything down and thinking about every move I made. Even with that, I made some poor decisions, like paddling too near shore in large waves and seeing usually submerged boulders becoming exposed near the hull of my boat as I bobbed up and down between the waves, or like nearly capsizing in a river that I should have not tried to paddle. Poor decisions usually surface for me, when I’m too tired, too rushed or too hungry.

On my first trip it took me a few days before I felt at ease and comfortable. I enjoyed each trip, especially the aspect of not having to worry about accommodating the desires of a larger group or another person. On the other hand, it is also enjoyable to share the experience with another like minded person. 2 cents from a solo newby.